Help me 'swot' for this birth - in 3ish weeks!!!

Gulp. It's really happening. And somehow I managed to get through the majority of this pregnancy without even thinking about it. Yep, in three ish weeks (middie thinks I have bub at 36ish weeks based on prev 35 and 36 weekers), I will need to push a baby out of my vagina. When I put it like that, I remember that a degree of psychological preparation might help to perform such a feat as peacefully as possible. :lol:

First birth I read everything I could get my hands on from day dot and went to a brilliant birth class. Second birth I had some great debriefs and chats with a certain awesome (then-student) midwife, and listened to some birth relaxation stuff. This time... I've barely thought about it. No birth plan, though I know my midwife understands my wishes and beliefs completely, no visualization, relaxation, yoga... nothing.

So I wake up this morning, nesting urges creeping up on me, and I'm stuck in 'I'm not ready'. I haven't found the zone, I have no music, no picture of peaceful birth in my mind... and I feel vulnerable to losing control and getting swept away by fear like I was in DDs birth.

So help me 'swot'. I need a study plan. For my body and my psyche.
How would you go about preparing yourself for birth in such a short period? Any reccomndations on tracks I might download (I'm thinking maybe I should look at hypnobirth stuff??) or things I should be thinking through? Any words of wisdom or encouragement would be greatly appreciated! xox :)

I'm the same although I have 8 weeks left. Also my 3rd bubba. I'm kinda hoping my body just knows what to do this time and the baby almost falls out lol however the fear for me is still there hopefully someone pops on and can offer us both advice.. Hugs. How exciting that bubba is almost here

For some reason I've been quite fearful about birth this whole pregnancy - even though I've pushed a baby out twice before, and I'm hoping this one just falls out too haha!!!

I've been reading lots of birth books. And reminding myself that I can do it. Giving myself a little pep talk every time I feel a bit scared. Talking to people via text is helping too - positive, empowering texts.

I've read most of my books once already, and am on to reading them a second time. If you need any books I can express post some down to you if you like? Or we can be text buddies as well :)

:hug: We've done it twice before, we'll all do it again I'm sure.

I'm also freaking out, though hopefully this one stays in until full term. I'm using my hypnobabies stuff properly this time to prepare. I have a lot of fear to work through, so practicing hypnosis helps with that. Though it may be the physicalness of birth that gets me. I am so unfit.

anyway, break it down into small chunks. Copy a basic birth plan and keep what you want. This isn't just for your caregiver, but for you to prepare mentally. It also helps if someone else is on shift that day.

my To Do list:
- Hynobabies, which includes daily exercises
- counselling. For dealing with our birth history
- create a birth plan.
- have a birth plan meeting with OB and support people
- create a baby care plan
- have a baby care plan meeting with a paediatrician
- talking/playing with baby daily
- spinning babies exercises when I can, so help get bub into an optimal position.
- talking to/ messaging friends when I'm in freaking out
- prepare labour assistance stuff: hire TENS machine, sort out iPod for birth tracks, get a couple of those gel heat packs
- prepare nursery/bedroom. Rearrange furniture. Wash all clothes, blankets, toys. Put bassinet together. Work out where to store stuff. Possibly paint/decorate nursery.
- buy a breast feeding pillow
- clean house from top to bottom, though I can only do 30min a day, due to SPD.
- work out list of stuff for hospital and pack bag
- have an emergency pack for home/car in case bub decides to come quickly
- re-read Baby on Board
- renew ABA membership if all looks good at 34 week scan
- hire car capsules
- get car valeted, if we can afford it. Otherwise clean vigorously to remove as much dog hair as possible
- get a cage barrier thingy for back of SUV, so dog can't stick his head over the back seat
- work out logistics of placenta encapsulation/ homeopathics
- buy esky and containers for placenta. No idea how big I need
- buy more mittens for bub
- stop looking at expensive nursery items on the net. I really don't need a $2k nursing chair
- pick up stuff offered by friends. Wash etc.
- exercises, even if it's just squats and small hand weights. Need to strengthen legs, back, arms
- take red raspberry leaf tablets. Continue to increase dose.
- work out when to take EPO
- start perineal massage 34-36 weeks
- 34 week scan to check baby and placenta position
- eat lots of protein regularly
- sleep, nap
- manage the fear


I needed to do that for myself. I've been worrying about how much to do with the time left. Think I'll send it to DH too.

Read or reread Ina May's Guide to childbirth. Brilliant book!